A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 45 LONG COLT AMMO
The .45 Long Colt cartridge, often simply called 45 Colt, traces its roots back to 1872 when it was developed by Colt’s Manufacturing Company for use in the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, it quickly became a defining firearm of the American West, earning legendary status among shooters, cowboys, and collectors. Known for its powerful stopping ability, moderate recoil, and versatility, the 45 Long Colt remains popular in revolvers and lever-action rifles today.
Modern 45 Long Colt ammo typically features bullets ranging from 200 to 255 grains, with original military loads built around a 250-grain lead bullet propelled by black powder. Advances in smokeless powder have enhanced performance, offering shooters options like lead round nose (LRN), semi-wadcutter (SWC), jacketed hollow point (JHP), and even polymer-tipped rounds. This flexibility makes the cartridge ideal for target shooting, cowboy action competitions, deer hunting, and personal defense when loaded appropriately.
A common question among shooters is: What’s the difference between 45 Colt and 45 Long Colt? Functionally, they are the same cartridge. The term "Long" was historically used to differentiate it from the shorter .45 Schofield cartridge, but today 45 Colt and 45 Long Colt are interchangeable terms in ammunition manufacturing and casual use.
Brands like Hornady offer innovative options such as the LEVERevolution series, boosting velocity and energy for lever-action rifles. Meanwhile, traditional loads from companies like Black Hills Ammunition provide authentic cowboy action shooting experiences with black powder equivalent loads—perfect for those seeking a true Old West feel.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 45 LONG COLT AMMO
When selecting 45 Long Colt ammo, it’s important to match the load to your firearm and your intended shooting activity. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Purpose: Define your primary goal. For cowboy action shooting and target practice, lead round nose (LRN) and semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullets deliver excellent accuracy and maintain the traditional shooting experience. For hunting or personal defense, opt for jacketed hollow points (JHP) or flat-nose bullets, which offer enhanced penetration, energy transfer, and stopping power.
Bullet Type: The choice of bullet type greatly influences performance. Lead bullets are traditional, reliable at standard velocities, and ideal for historical shooting or cowboy competitions. Jacketed bullets reduce barrel fouling and handle higher velocities—making them a better fit for modern 45 Long Colt lever-action rifles or defensive revolvers.
Manufacturer Reputation: Stick with trusted brands known for consistency and performance. Federal, Winchester, and Remington offer dependable 45 Colt ammunition for a variety of uses. For cutting-edge options, Hornady’s LEVERevolution loads push the limits with enhanced ballistics, while Black Hills Ammunition delivers premium cowboy loads for those seeking authentic, low-pressure performance.
Firearm Compatibility: Not all firearms chambered in 45 Long Colt can handle modern high-pressure loads. If you own a vintage Colt Single Action Army, replica, or other antique revolver, stick with lower-pressure rounds to preserve the firearm. Newer revolvers and rifles designed for stronger loads can safely take advantage of modern high-performance ammunition.
Reloading: The 45 Long Colt is a favorite among reloaders due to its flexibility. Whether you're crafting low-recoil cowboy action rounds or high-power hunting loads, there’s a wide selection of bullets, powders, and primers available to customize your shooting experience.
45 LONG COLT AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is a Colt 45?
- "Colt 45" can refer to either the Colt Single Action Army revolver, originally chambered in 45 Colt, or the .45 ACP caliber used in the M1911 pistol. In the context of 45 Long Colt ammo, it typically refers to the classic revolver cartridge, known for its role in the American West.
- What is the difference between 45 Colt and 45 Long Colt ammo?
- There is no functional difference between 45 Colt and 45 Long Colt today. The "Long" was historically added to distinguish it from the shorter .45 Schofield round. Modern manufacturers use the terms interchangeably.
- What is the best 45 Long Colt rifle?
- Top rifles chambered in 45 Long Colt include the Henry Big Boy Lever Action, Winchester Model 1873, and Rossi R92. These lever-action rifles combine historical authenticity with modern performance, making them ideal for cowboy action shooting, hunting, and recreational shooting.
- What is the effective range of a 45 Long Colt?
- The effective range of 45 Long Colt ammo is generally around 50 to 100 yards, depending on barrel length, load selection, and firearm type. While not designed for extreme-range shooting, it remains effective within its intended ranges for self-defense, hunting, and sport.
- Can you shoot 45 Long Colt in a .410 shotgun?
- Some combination guns, like the Taurus Judge and Smith & Wesson Governor, are designed to fire both .45 Long Colt and .410 bore shotshells. However, a standard .410 shotgun is not designed for firing 45 Colt ammunition, and doing so would be unsafe.
- What is the 45 Long Colt ammo dimension?
- 45 Long Colt cartridges typically have a case length of 1.285 inches, with an overall cartridge length of around 1.6 inches. Bullet diameter is approximately .452 inches, making it compatible with many modern revolvers and lever-action rifles.
- Is Remington 45 Colt 250 Grain ammo good?
- Yes, Remington’s 45 Colt 250 grain LRN (lead round nose) ammo offers reliable performance for target shooting, cowboy action matches, and general plinking, closely replicating traditional ballistic profiles.
- What makes Underwood 45 Colt ammo special?
- Underwood 45 Colt ammo is known for producing +P loads, delivering significantly higher velocities and energy levels. These loads are intended for modern revolvers and rifles rated for higher pressures, not vintage or replica guns.
- Is 45 LC ammo good for deer hunting?
- Yes, especially when using modern JHP (jacketed hollow point) or flat-nose hunting loads. Best 45 Long Colt ammo for deer hunting includes options from Hornady LEVERevolution and Buffalo Bore, offering excellent expansion and penetration.
- Is 45 Colt ammo suitable for self-defense?
- Absolutely. With proper hollow point loads from brands like Federal, Hornady, or Winchester, 45 Long Colt provides powerful stopping power with manageable recoil, especially in compact revolvers and modern defensive platforms.
OUR TOP 45 LONG COLT AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
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Hornady Critical Defense 45 Long Colt Ammunition 185 Grain Flex Tip Expanding - 92790: Featuring the patented FTX bullet, it ensures reliable expansion and penetration, even through heavy clothing, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry and personal protection. With a muzzle velocity of 920 fps and energy of 348 ft-lbs, this ammunition delivers consistent performance, making it a dependable choice for self-defense scenarios.
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Hornady LEVERevolution 45 Colt Ammunition 225 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding - 92792: Ideal for hunters, this innovative load features Hornady's Flex Tip (FTX) technology, which enhances ballistic performance and expansion. The 225-grain bullet delivers higher velocities and flatter trajectories compared to traditional loads, extending the effective range of your revolver or rifle.
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Federal American Eagle 45 Long Colt Ammunition 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point - AE45LC: This ammunition utilizes a 225-grain jacketed soft point bullet, providing controlled expansion and deep penetration, which is perfect for self-defense situations. Produced by Federal Ammunition, a trusted name in the ammunition industry, this product guarantees reliable performance in diverse conditions. Its brass casing and Boxer primer promote reloadability, making it a practical and economical option for shooters.
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Use Cases for .45 Colt Rifle Ammunition
- Cowboy Action Shooting
- Target Practice
- Hunting Medium Game
- Personal Defense
- Historical Reenactments
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Popular .45 Long Colt Ammo Brands
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Common .45 Long Colt Ammo Caliber Name Variations
- 45 Long Colt
- .45 LC
- .45 Colt
THE 45 LONG COLT AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're honoring the legacy of the Old West or seeking a dependable cartridge for hunting, defense, or cowboy action shooting, our collection of 45 Long Colt ammo offers something for every shooter. This caliber’s lasting popularity speaks to its unique blend of power, accuracy, and versatility across a wide range of firearms.
At Target Sports USA, we proudly offer 45 Long Colt ammunition for sale from trusted brands like Hornady, Remington, Winchester, and Federal, ensuring you find the right match for your revolver or rifle. Whether you're shooting traditional loads or modern high-performance options, you can trust our selection to deliver reliable performance with every pull of the trigger.